A historic day for The Black Cat in Silver Lake as it is named California's first LGBTQ+ historical landmark - a six-year effort by the California Landmark Foundation. Originally known as The Black Cat Tavern, many people know The Black Cat as a neighborhood bar - a community joint for a beer and a burger. Its history runs deep in Silver Lake, and it's hanging on the walls. It was a frightening time to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community 55 years ago, and a historical marker at The Black Cat in Silver Lake reminds us of when and where citizens decided to take a stand. On New Year's Eve, 1967, undercover LAPD officers raided the bar, and 14 men were beaten, arrested, and charged with lewd conduct for same-sex kissing. Activists like 87-year-old Alexei Romanoff helped organize the first documented LGBTQ+ rights movement in the country in front of The Black Cat. That demonstration predated the Stonewall Riots by two years. The Black Cat was designated a Los Angeles historic cultural monument in 2008. The ceremony for the new plaque on Sunset Boulevard brought together community members, residents, city and state representatives like city council member Hugo Soto-Martinez and state Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo. This recognition came on the first day of LGBTQ+ History Month. #Road To Stonewall